This 17 mile stretch of trail is
probably one of the most popular sections
of the North Country National Scenic Trail within central New York, as well
as all of New York and possibly along the whole 4600 miles of the trail.
This is one of our favorite sections of the North Country Trail as well and we've
logged many miles along this well worn path in Morgan Hill State Forest. The trail enters the state forest
from private property from NY 13 west of Cuyler.

The North Country Trail coincides with the Onondaga Trail in Morgan Hill State Forest. The Onondaga Trail is one of
six branch trails of the Finger
Lakes Trail System. This trail system has well over 900 miles of
hiking trails in
New York. This seventeen mile section of trail has numerous
ups and downs as well as some steep sections. This difficult stretch
of the the NCT has an overall elevation gain of just over 3000 feet.
If you're looking for a challenging hiking adventure, the NCT in Morgan Hill
State Forest is for you.

There are numerous camping opportunities
along the trail in the state forest including the Hemlock Lean-To. There are many scenic sections of the trail including Hemlock Glen, Tinker
Falls, the view from the hang glider spot on Jones Hill, Spruce Pond and Shackham Pond. A new staircase was built in 2010 to eliminate some steep sections near the
top of Tinker Falls, as well as new switchbacks. There is a footbridge that was built in 2007 over Shackham Brook. The trail travels by an old family cemetery near Shackham Pond.

The trail leaves the state forest soon after
crossing Fabius Brook and enters private land then soon there are views of the
small hamlet of Fabius. It is because of the generosity of the landowners
that the trail is able to pass through this great area. Please be sure
to stay on the trail and respect the landowners rights. There is also
a section of trail near the Jones Hill vista that travels on private
property. The area around Tinker Falls and Jones Hill is in Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
There is no camping allowed in Labrador Hollow Unique Area as well as on
private property.

The stretch of the North Country
Trail from NY 13 to the Morgan Hill State Forest boundary is CLOSED
for HUNTING from Nov 15-Dec 25. Please respect the landowners request
and stay off this section of trail during these dates. There is NO
CAMPING on PRIVATE PROPERTY!

This section of trail is maintained by the
Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. If your interesting
in more information about this hiking club, join or volunteer, see their
website at ADK-Onondaga Chapter. Check below for a topo map,
a few
pictures and detailed description of this section of
the trail. You'll even find the "Scrappy Campsite" and the
"Pond Campsite" where we
like to camp occasionally on the
map below. The site s include a stone fire pit. The Scrappy Campsite is next
to a reliable stream and the Pond Campsite is next to Shackham Pond.

Backpackers leaving the "Scrappy
Campsite" in Morgan Hill State Forest

Waterfalls along North
Country Trail in Hemlock Glen

North Country Trail
crossing a power line

Hemlock Lean To

Snag tree along the NCT in
Labrador Hollow Unique Area

Shackham Pond in Morgan
Hill State Forest

Guide to the Hiking Trails
at
Morgan Hill State Forestincludes
Labrador Hollow Unique Area**ONLY $5**Created by CNY Hiking, this guide
comes to you as a pdf file that you can either print out or send it to your
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State Forest at your
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Turn right on West Keeney Road and then a quick left off road onto farm
tractor lane. Entering PRIVATE PROPERTY. STAY ON TRAIL. NO
CAMPING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY! No parking available here.
NOTE: This stretch of trail from here to the Morgan Hill State
Forest boundary is CLOSED for HUNTING from Nov 15 to Dec
25.

0.6

1207
feet

Turn left

0.7

1234
feet

Turn right

0.8

1267
feet

Turn left and begin steep uphill climb with many switchbacks.

1.85

1764
feet

Turn left

2.0

1816
feet

Cross an old section of Chickadee Hollow Road.

2.5

1844
feet

Cross an old section of Chickadee Hollow Road. Entering Morgan Hill
State Forest

Trail register and soon reach West Keeney Road
turn right and reach Bardeen Road, which is the end of this section.
See NCT in Highland Forest
for continuation. Shoulder Parking. GPS N42 48.332 W75 58.033